Don't Have a Name Yet.

Preparation

The clouds roll on an afternoon sky as the sun sluggishly drifts lower into the blood red abyss.

I watch as the six adults pack up for their long trip. They pile some items, furs and foods mostly, onto a pull cart and strap bows onto their breasts. It has been nearly three weeks since Chief Zane had announced that he was leaving. Afterwards the tribe had to prepare for his absence. I look over to see Delsin and Abey say goodbye to Naheul. It must be tough that neither of his parents were going to be there for Naheul's Manhood ceremony. I can see why Zane chose them though, seeing how almost all the other members of the tribe were preoccupied with newborn infants, or were expecting one. Already these past few weeks have five new babies been born, two of them in the same day. The Village seems to be swarming with newborns these days, not to mention the tots from last year.

Across from me, Paa is getting some last words from Zane. Probably another pep talk. This is a side of my father that I've never seen before. I've always thought of my paa as a more confident and sturdy man, especially when he was Chief. Perhaps he feels like he's off his game. He hasn't really been in charge of much since I was eight. But still, I'm not used to this worrisome and jittery air about my father. It's unsettling.

Zane nods and pads up to Shyla and kisses her cheek. The poor dear's been so haggard looking since her new cub had been born. Zane strokes the top of the babe's fuzzy head and kisses it goodbye as well. He then looks over to his son Rialou and nods before gesturing the others to follow him out of the gate, and eventually the welcoming forest we call home. I sigh, as I never like to see people leave. I don't like things to end. Even when the leaves begin to wither and fall off the trees I feel saddened.

Naheul pads up past me with his head down.

"Are you okay?" I ask him.

"Yes, yes of course."

"It's gotta be tough." I hint at his parents' absence.

"I'm going to be a man pretty soon. I'll be okay. And they said they'd make up for it later."

"Oh that's okay I guess."

"Yeah. It's not like they're dying or anything!" He chuckles a bit, yet his voice cracks as though he actually feels like they are.

"Yeah. And don't worry, they'll be back before you even know it!" I force a smile on my face and pat him on the back.

"Thanks." He hugs me briskly before going off to do who knows what. That kid has always had a mysterious element to himself, as if he could hear the Whispers louder that everyone else. He always has leaned more towards the spiritual side... I feel as though some day he'd become very wise. His sister Akio, on the other hand, is much like her mother in some ways. She'd make a good warrior, sort of the no-nonsense kind of gal. I shake off my idle thoughts and join by my Paa-paa's side.

"Hullo Paa-paa!" I chirp. Paa stares at the thick woods beyond the safety and comfort of our wooded gates.

"Normally, it's incredibly rude not to bow before you address your Chief." He places his hands behind his back. My tail droops and my heart sinks into my stomach. "You're my only exception."

He gives me a side glance and grins before tussling my head fur. I smile and sigh, relieved to see Paa acting like himself again.

"Hey Paa, can we go practice tomorrow?" I ask hopefully.

"I apologize Son, but I fear I won't be able. I have spring ceremonies to establish, and first thing in the morning I'll be out hunting with some of the men."